MetroCard is one more way for LANTA to attract and keep riders, Meyers said.

In order to receive the card, people must fill out an application and ride Metro 10 times, or buy a ticket or monthly pass.

The rider then presents the card to participating merchants to receive discounts or special offers.

Implementing the program will cost about $10,000, Meyers said.

Applications will be available on Metro buses beginning Friday. Discounts will begin in November.

The program will continue monthly through December 1993.

At its monthly meeting yesterday, the LANTA board of directors awarded a three-year contract to Van Lease America Inc., a sister company of Palmeri Motorcoach Corp., to operate the trolley that used to shuttle shoppers around downtown Allentown.

The trolley will be leased to communities and special event organizers at a rate of $26 per hour in the first year, $27 per hour the second year and $28 per hour the third year.

The trolley can be privately rented at a rate of $100 per hour, with LANTA receiving $30 of each $100.

LANTA won't receive any percentage when the trolley is leased to communities.